So, partly in an experiment to see if writing a list boosts my readership, here goes.

In my last but one post, I commented that a number of Mexican friends living in large cities cannot understand why I am living in Ciudad Guzmán. So what better reason than to make a list of the seven reasons for living in Ciudad Guzmán? (As an aside perhaps I can piggy-back on Steven Covey and turn this into a best seller – The Seven Highly Effective Habits of Living in Ciudad Guzmán.)

1. Location.

As Estate Agents are generally imputed to claim, location is everything. I think Ciudad Guzmán has an ideal location. It is about ninety minutes south of Guadalajara so all the attractions and vices of that 5 million-peopled city are within easy reach for a weekend outing – without having to brave the traffic, noise, pollution and increasing insecurity there every day.

The delightful city of Colima – which regularly wins surveys for the city with the best quality of life in Mexico – is one hour to the south. This of course begs the question: why not live in Colima? The answer to me is clear. Colima is only about 500 meters above sea level (unlike Ciudad Guzmán’s 1500 meters) which makes the heat there in summer unbearable for me.

In addition, if you like large beach resorts, Manzanillo is about two hours away. But better still in my view, the lovely small resort of Melaque-Barra de Navidad is less than three hours away, as are the beautiful unspoilt beaches of the Michoacán coast. But be careful if you are thinking of visiting the Michoacán coast as my last post warned.

2. Surroundings.

Sayula

Apart from having a great location, the whole area around Ciudad Guzmán is very interesting, in terms of culture, history and nature. The small towns of Sayula, Tuxpan, San Gabriel, Atoyac, Amacueca – to name just a few – are full of history and traditions and each has its own distinctive, unique atmosphere. The three ‘Pueblo Mágicos‘ of Tapalpa, Matzamitla and Comala are all within easy reach.

Ciudad Guzmán itself is surrounded by hills, a large laguna (which is an International Wetlands ‘Ramsar’ site) and two volcanoes. From my house, within twenty minutes on foot, I can be walking in the Sierra.

3. Vibe and Size of the City

Whenever I am travelling anywhere in Mexico, and a taxi driver asks me where I am living and I reply Ciudad Guzman, the response is almost inevitably: “Es una ciudad tranquila”. It is indeed a very peaceful city, hundreds of miles away literally and culturally from the violent US border cities which attract so much foreign press attention and create a very distorted picture of Mexico.

I like the dimensions of Ciudad Guzmán. It is a city of about 100,000 people which to me means it has all the facilities of a city – a range of shops, large market, lots of restaurants, bars, a recently opened multiplex cinema – and yet still feels intimate and not overwhelming. In addition, it has five universities, which give the city a youthful energy and vitality.

4. Local Shops.

In a previous post, I commented that the street where I used to live when I first moved to Ciudad Guzman, has everything. Within a street of not more than 400 meters can be found an excellent baker, a church, three doctors, a dentist, a funeral parlour, two gyms, an optician, at least two cafes, a bar, a little hole-in-the wall shop to copy keys, a natural foods outlet, three largish off-street parking places, a textile shop etc. etc.

In fact, Ciudad Guzmán is full of small specialist shops, which I think we have largely lost in the UK. On one corner, is a cobbler who does amazing work in recovering shoes that in the west we would throw away. There are many small tailors specialising in clothes repairs. The other day, I came across a small shop selling knitting products which was full of women participating in a knitting circle.

There must be literally hundreds of abarrotes, small grocery corner shops. The bad news for them, and in my opinion for Ciudad Guzmán as a whole, is that I just heard Walmart is planning on building a Superstore here along with a Sams Club.

5. The People.

A potential downside of Ciudad Guzmán is that it is a very conservative, catholic city – it was a stronghold for the deeply Catholic Cristeros fighting the Mexican post-revolutionary government in the Civil War in the 1920’s. Like in other strongly catholic areas in Mexico there is an emphasis on appearances. The reality behind the appearance can, of course, be very different.

The good news, which is the other side of the coin, is that the city is full of traditions and the people are extremely courteous, warm and friendly. When I lived in Cuernavaca for a year, I don’t remember anyone ever asking me where I was from in a shop. Here it happens all the time.

Traditional Aztec dancers entering the Cathedral

6. The Traditions.

One of the principal reasons I like living here is that it is a very traditional Mexican city in a rural area. There is very little foreign tourism.

This means that traditional forms of life are still very present here: the observance of the novena in different neighbourhoods leading up to the Día de Guadalupe on December 12th; the October Feria; the pilgrimage to Talpa starting in early March; the celebration of the Saint Day of each different barrio. I suspect some of the traditions are declining and the city now has a fancy new coffee shop from the Italian Coffee company chain in prime position in the arcade near the corner of the main plaza. And as I commented already, the Walmart Empire will be arriving soon. But it is still possible to see people on horseback or with donkeys in the smaller streets.

One of the most interesting times to be in Ciudad Guzmán is for the three week long Feria in October which culminates in an enormous three hour long procession of different types of traditional dancers, charros (Mexican cowboys, cowgirls and cowchildren), carros alegoricos (displays of bible scenes mounted on tractors), and finally a huge, heavy wooden platform carrying the statues of the Patron Saint – St. Joseph holding el Niño Jesús – and the Virgin Mary. The platform is held upright for the procession around the city, which can take up to six hours, by two teams of around 50 men. It is a great honour to do this.

7. The Food.

Doña Chuey

Like everywhere in Mexico, Ciudad Guzmán has its particular specialities as well as the whole range of typical delicious Mexican food. Local delicacies include: chile de uña (tostadas spread with a finely chopped mixture of chile, tomatoes, coriander, onion and other more secret ingredients); the enormous Pepe’s tostadas which are also known as ‘tostadas de muco’ for the effect the spicy tostadas have on the nose; ponche de granada which is mexzcal and pomegranate juice; and palenquetas, which are a local sweet made of nuts embedded in a sugary base.

Also like many places in Mexico, there is a whole range of places to eat. Fancy restaurants, cenadurias which serve pozole, tamales, flautas, enchilidas and tostadas at night, and lots of wonderful street food. Just in the short street where I live there are two really good, cheap restaurants. I can have a soup thick with fresh vegetables, chicken in a mole or pepian sauce, and a home made dessert with the aguafresca of the day for 56 pesos (about 5 USD). When eating out is so good and cheap, no wonder I don’t cook at home as much as I used to in England.

What still delights me is that after five years of living here, I can still discover new food haunts. Only this morning I found a great bakery which I must have passed countless times without noticing it. Shops here have much less emphasis on display and design than their western counterparts so you often have to be told about the food they sell. One of my favourite places is a little juice bar set in a wooden hut in someone’s front garden on the way to the Parque Ecológico. Here for 12 pesos Doña Chuey will make you a ‘levanta muerto’ (‘wake the dead’) – made of freshly squeezed orange juice, carrot juice, pineapple, kiwi, celery, plum, apple and beetroot.

And finally, you never know what is around the corner for you in any Mexican city

“You can look but you cannot touch”

ADDENDUM: JULY 2013: I have been touched how many people – many of them now living in the USA – have commented on this blog saying how much Ciudad Guzmán means to them.

I recently was sent this video which shows Ciudad Guzmán off very well.

Ciudad Guzman is my hometown. I now live in Canada but go back home every year, and I couldn’t agree more with your post. Every time I go back re-confirms how much I love Guzman. I think my top three reasons are location, weather and food (in fact, I wonder if you’ve discovered my favourite food spots yet?!?).

My husband and I are big fans of your blog. Thanks for writing; keep up the great work!

For example if Iam craving “pan” I love going with “El Polvoron” he sets up in the back of his truck every evening around 6 pm on Manuel M. Dieguez St. a block or so down from the “El Santuario” church. I like the “gusanos” and “picon” there, well all his bread is good. It’s also very clean.

I am sure you’ve tried the “cuernitos rellenos de crema pastelera” at the pasteleria of Juan Jose Arreola’s sisters downtown. Those are their signature pastry and everyone loves them.

If I am craving “carne asada” I love going to “El Cuate” on Refugio Barragan de Toscano St. I like ordering the media orden of diezmillo in a bowl with frijoles de la olla in it. The amazing thing about this place on top of the delicious meat is the amazing salsas they have. Order a couple of “doraditas” to snack with the salsas while you get your order ;)

Also on Refugio Barragan de Toscano St. is “Tostadas y Tacos Dorados Don Luis” I like going there for “tostadas de lomo with panela” he makes a sweet tomato sauce with it and the hot sauce is on the table for you to use, the combination is quite nice. He is also known for his fried potato taquitos (tacos de papa), which are really good.

Have you tried the “tamales de elote”? they are sweet, the best ones in town are sold by a girl in a corner in the mornings. She sets up her table and pots outside a “tiendita” on Ignacio Allende St at the corner Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon St. I don’t her name but as a reference there is a gentleman selling pineapple juice next to her.

There are so many more as I’m sure you’ve found out already.

Will Johnson
on
June 24, 2010

I’m thinkinfg about a visit in October and maybe again in early March. I’ll be w/ the college. Any ideas on hotels, staying w/ a family to practice Spanish, travel from Guadalajara, safety, etc.

Will, in answer to your questions:
– safety in Ciudad Guzmán is very high: everyone says it is a “ciudad tranquila”
– you can catch a bus from Guadalajara direct to Ciudad Guzman. It is about 2 hours and runs almost every hour during the day
– with regard to staying with a family I think that is the best way to learn Spanish and get to know Mexican culture. You can arrange this through an organization ICTC in Guzmán: seehttp://www.ictcmexico.com/
– regarding hotels, hotel Zapotlan in the center is good as is Hotel Tlayolan: for a list of hotels see:http://www.zonaturistica.com/jalisco/ciudad-guzman/

paulrobertsmexico
on
June 26, 2010

Will. In answer to your questions
– security and safety is very good in Ciudad Guzmán. It is known all over Mexico for being very safe
– Two good hotels are hotel Zapotlán and Hotel Tlayolan, both very near the center. Look at:http://www.zonaturistica.com/jalisco/ciudad-guzman/
– If you want to stay with a family and learn Spanish contact ICTC on http://www.ictcmexico.com/
– travel from Guadalajara is easy. There are direct buses to Guzmán from the main bus station in Guadalajara at least every hour during the day until about 9pm

Will
on
June 27, 2010

Thaks Paul,
io’ll keep you informed on my plans, hope to be there in Octobeer.

Hi, Ciudad Guzman is my home town, even though I grew up in California, I was born there, and I miss it, the food is great, THE TAMALES DE ELOTE , TOSTADAS DE PATA AND THE ATOLE FROM AMELIAS CENADURIA, ALSO GLORIAS CENADURIA HAS GREAT FOOD, ENJOY!

Espe

Armando Sarmiento
on
August 4, 2010

Hey!! I’m completely agree with you my friend… Cd. Guzman is a very very nice place to live.. we have everithig jeje… Have you ever gone to Fermenta?? It’s a small Restaurant-Bar which has a really good variety of beers :) and good gourmet food.. If you can, visit us… we are in Reforma St… pretty near from the “Santuario” next to “Hotel Reforma” I’m the chef :)

paulrobertsmexico
on
August 5, 2010

Thanks for your comment Armando. I’m travelling at the moment but will visit Fermenta when I am back in Guzmán

celia medin
on
September 19, 2010

I am a proud educated chicana but my parents are from ciudad guzman and I have learned to love and admire city guzman with the same passion and love as my parents! Just wanted to give you props for taking the time to write such lovely things about my parents hometown!

just want to thank you for taking the time to write this article about Ciudad Guzman!!

Ciudad guzman its my dad’s hometown and even do i was not born there i did had the privilige and the blessing to lived there and go to school there for a few years and honestly I loved it there!and the whole family loved it too! I have so many childhood memories and reading your article just brought back so many memories about the food,(LOVE IT!! THE BEST) the culture,traditions the people,places,ECT… i love and miss this place so much (you have no idea) I was raised and tought by my parents to love and embrace my culture. and even do I have had not the opportunity to go back there I have not lost hope that one day i will go back. and everything you wrote about this place its so true! i am happy to know that this place still remains the same beautiful little peaceful place. I am just so happy that someone like you took their time to write about this wonderful and beautiful city. once again I thank you and look foward to read more about this city

I was born in Tijuana Mexico and moved to California 10 years ago. I have lived in San Diego and LA for all this time. I have spent a lot of time traveling in Mexico for work and I commute regularly to Tijuana. I have been recently offered a job around the area of Guzman and have been given the option to live in Guzman or Colima.

Personally I can live in any place since I work and stay busy this way. My concern is my wife and daughter, they are truly Americanized you know what I mean (mall, starbucks, big modern house with dishwasher and modern appliances)

I guess my question is. Can you find new modern houses in the area? Also, are there good private catholic schools? Or will my family leave me because I moved them there….

Colima is a much larger city with around 500,000 people whilst Guzman has around 100,000. So Guzman is quieter and more traditional whilst Colima has more facilities – a Starbucks, large mall with a Liverpool department store, Walmarts, big range of restaurants, and two cinema complexes. Colima often wins competitions for having the best quality of life of any Mexican city

The climates of the two cities are very different. Guzman is 1500 meters above sea level and has a temperate, very pleasant climate. Colima is around 500 meters above sea level and has a semi tropical climate which means it can be particularly hot in March, April, May and June before the rainy season. On the other hand, Colima is closer to the beach

There are good Catholic schools in both cities. In Colima there is more choice, including a very good private non Catholic school called Anahuac

The best thing obviously would be for you to come to this part of Mexico ideally with your family and have a look at both cities before making your decision

Francisco
on
October 25, 2010

Thanks for the list Paul, I’ll be there in November and plan to use it everyday!

Cheers!

Lupita Corona
on
January 22, 2011

Paul,
you need to visit the “pulqueria” La Sombra Del Camichin just off the main road (if I am looking at the sign for LA CATARINA-the pools-I turn left onto the main road, less than a mile up the road on your left…there is a ranch and a restaurant..go into the ranch)as if I were heading to SAN Andres. It has maybe 6 tables and one of the most humble, short and chubby guys running the place (my cousin Martin). Saturday and Sunday they serve up some of the best CALDO CON PULQUE you will find! It is a soup called BOTE with beef, chicken, and pork…if you like spicy soups, nothing compares to a steaming bowl of caldo con pulque!! Also, I discovered TOSTADAS DE PATA on Constituyentes last time i was there…I am a big fan of Pepe’s myself but these got me thinking….mmmmmmm

I have been going to Ciudad Guzman for the past twenty years and would love to retire there. I took the picture of the volcanoes and have placed it on my desk top. Everytime I look at it I want to take off to Guzman.

paulrobertsmexico
on
February 2, 2011

Luis. Yes Ciudad Guzmán is really a great place to live. I have a picture of the volcanoes de Fuego and Nevado taken from near Laguna la Maria in Colima on my desktop

Jesus Reyes
on
February 24, 2011

Paul,

I am totally agree with you regarding Ciudad Gyzman “Zapotlan el grande”. My whife was bron and raise in Ciudad Guzman and I am from the north of Tamaulipas. Because of work we live in the north of Tamaulipas but everytime that me and my family go to visit my whife parents to Ciudad Guzman I enjoy teh city. I been married to my whife for 10 years and in 2010 I went with my whife to the “Fiestas de Octubre” for the first time and it was something that I enjoyed totally.
I will be trvaeling to Ciudad Guzman the first week of March to enjoy the good hospitality of the Guzmanenzes and the beautyfull weather.
Keep my e-mail address on anything related to Ciudad Guzman.
Congratulation for your webpage
Best Regards.

Leticia Urzua Serrano
on
June 29, 2011

It’s wonderful to see where my dad’s family still resides (Urzua is the family name) Do you think you can help me contact family members? I live in California. My uncles are Juan, Benjamin, Raul & my father is Jose the oldest of his brothers & sisters. I’m on facebook as Leticia Urzua Serrano. Thank you in advance.

Hi!…im making a trevel guide of Ciudad Guzman, and your pictures are incedible .
what i need to do to use it?

best regards

Jorge Torres

Miguel Angel Ramos
on
August 24, 2011

Hey

My name is Miguel Angel Ramos and my family and I are traveling to Ciudad Guzman in December and I want to plan an amazing/romantic dinner for my parents. I am just wondering out of all of your guys favorite resturants which one can be romantic and have great food (cost doesn’t matter) we are going in December, because the partys in Zapoltan are the best out of dancing, food and just plain out having fun! So if you can help me out I would really appreciate it and do any of you know the (Ramos) family or Miguel Nunez Ramos. Thanks in Advance. (:

Actually Im not sure there is a really romantic spot. A good place is El Zaguan which is about thirty minutes out of Ciudad Guzman on the road to El Grullo on the slopes of the volcano. It is only open on Saturday and Sunday for lunch. I would not say it is really romantic but it has a nice atmosphere and the food is good

If you are ever in Guanajuato there is an amazing restaurant there called Los Mercedes. Very romantic and exceptional food. I have written about it on my blog. And Guanajuato is my favourite Mexican city.

best wishes Paul

Jorge Altamirano
on
September 1, 2011

I’m retired Mexican/American wanting to relocate back to Mexico (currently living in Texas) There is so much hype as to all that is wrong with Mexico, that it frustrates me to no end; but places like Ciudad Guzman bring me back to earth. I would like to learn more about this wonderful city that you discribe. In particular as to how expensive is it. SS and a small pension which is not helping me very much here in Texas, as everything continues to skyrocket.

I am in the process of moving to Peru from Ciudad Guzmán, not in any way because I no longer like Ciudad Guzmán but because I am involved in a very interesting project in Peru helping set up an NGO here. See:

In answer to your question, to give you some idea, I can tell you that I was renting a very nice 3 bed apartment one block from the historic center for around ·$300 per month. In the restaurant opposite my flat I could have a good freshly cooked three course meal for about $5USD

not too many gringos…….a few volunteers for an organization called Projects Abroad and a few people working in the language school (ICTC)

Jennifer Keller
on
September 9, 2011

I live in Los Angeles and visited Huescalapa for 2 beautiful weeks. During that time we went to Cuidad Guzman and Zapotiltic many times. I was amazed by the beauty of the landscape and the warm and friendly people. I felt very happy and content in is this beautiful country. It was the best experience I have ever had.

I hope you have a great stay in Ciudad Guzmán. I have heard that the town is now spruced up awaiting the PanAmerican games. By the way, its well worth being in Guzmán for the día de San José on October 23rd which is the day of its Patron Saint Saint Joseph. There is a huge procession which takes about four hours to pass. Ive written about that too on my blog.

Juan
on
October 2, 2011

Ram on
The population of ciudad guuzman, has a very high level of education due to the big variety of schools, universities technologies and all that you can see on the every day people. I think that’s what makes ciudad Guzman a good option to live on.

carl r owens
on
October 14, 2011

My partner and I have lived in Oaxaca, Oaxaca, and Alamos, Sonora for several months each, now based on this site we plan to see how we fit in Ciudad Guzman. We plan to arrive on 10/28, hope we can find accomodations with the games in town.

Susan
on
October 17, 2011

Thank you for all the information included in your writings about Ciudad Guzman. I am going to be visiting for the canoe/kayak events of the PamAm Games and will be able to make good use of the information. I am getting very excited about the visit.

Penny. That is tricky as there are no buses then. So its either a taxi from the airport direct to Ciudad Guzmán which might cost around 1500 pesos or going into Guadalajara, spending a night there, and getting a bus to Guzmán the following morning.

carl owens
on
November 5, 2011

We arrived a couple of days ago, lovely place. Any suggestions for finding longer-term (3-4 months) housing?

Susan
on
November 21, 2011

I truely enjoyed my week Ciudad Guzman at the end of October. The people we met were genuinely friendly, hospitable and very helpful. I really enjoyed the opportunity to wander and explore the shops, the central square, the art gallery and many churches. Our venue for canoe/kayak competition is beautiful and hopefully will be used by the community for years to come.

carl owens
on
December 1, 2011

The folks at Cambridge School have been very helpful with housing and arranging for a tutor.

I am a Peace Corps Volunteer living here and I agree its a great city! I feel it is the best location of all the volunteers serving in Mexico!

Linda Martinez
on
January 20, 2012

I just love Cd. Guzman!!! Were trying to sell our house here and going back to Cd. Guzman.. It’s a beautiful place to live.

Jorge Altamirano
on
March 17, 2012

I would like to have some contacts in CG; I’m seriously contemplating moving there.

Jennifer Keller
on
March 17, 2012

Hi Jorge,

Where are you moving from… I live in LA and visited Guzman in August 2011. I cannot get it and especially Huescalapa & Zapotiltic out of my mind and heart. It was a beautiful experience. Just wondered where you where from…. I speak very little spanish..but am working on it…and hoping one day I could be a resident. My boyfriend and his family live there and I fell in love with it… Jennifer

Jennifer. Thanks for commenting and responding to Jorge. They say if you drink the water in Ciudad Guzmán you can never leave :-) That can’t be quite true as I left and now live in Pucallpa, Peru, which is why I am no longer writing this blog. I’m very happy where I am but I miss Guzmán, and will be back there in July. It’s interesting reading through all these comments how much appreciation there is of Guzmán.

Jorge Altamirano
on
March 20, 2012

Jennifer, good to hear from someone other than Paul, poor guy, his fingers must be very tired. I’m currently living in Denton, Texas, just waiting for my house to sell, so that I can be on my way to Ciudad Guzman. I want to settle first and know my way around town before I embark on my life long dream of becoming an ESL teacher; it’s my understanding that there is an institution there in Guzman, that is well known for its courses.

paulrobertsmexico
on
March 20, 2012

Jorge

The institution is called ICTC and is on Federico del Toro more or less opposite the church San Antonio. If you go there say hello to Nacho from me.

Jorge: We were in Cuidad Guzman for 2 months last fall, a lovely place and a nice pace of life. I agree that the ICTC is a good resource, the staff is very helpful and we were able to live in their housing at a reasonable rate. In addition, there are several interesting towns to visit nearby and the transportation system very affordable. The name I associate with ICTC is Cambridge schools. Nacho and Savannah are good contacts at the school.

Linda Martinez
on
March 22, 2012

I can hardly wait to go back to Guzman, I did live there for 3 years. My girls went to school. It’s is a beautiful place to live, the people are very kind,and the stores have everything you could want.

Omar Orozco
on
March 23, 2012

Guzman is like Narnia,as if its hidden, i love my birth place.

Any chavez
on
November 3, 2012

It’s so nice to read all good about my ciudad Guzman ,I grew up here my family still lives here ,and like every body said we are friendly people……take care .

Hi Paul, I am another Paul and also from the UK… London to be precise. You?

Well, I love your blog and I am thinking of moving to C.Guzman based on yours and other comments. I am in Puerto Vallarta now and have been for a year and find it both too hot and humid and too touristy.

Why did you move to Peru and do you recommend it? I am a free spirit having lived all over the world am always open to new ideas… I lived in Asia for 8 years before coming to Mexico.

I did look at Cuenca but was put off by stories of pollution and crime…. Then thought about Argentina and Peru but not sure…

Good idea in my opinion to move to Ciudad Guzmán from Puerto Vallerta. Much more México profundo

saludos Paul

JR
on
January 2, 2013

I lived a few years in Central America, I’m from Ciudad Guzman. In all that time I found a place that would be a little like my city. Many times we do not appreciate what we have until we’re not there. Ciudad Guzmán really has been greatly favored in all aspects … I failed to mention the incredible weather we have!

Arturo
on
January 10, 2013

Dear Teacher Roberts,
Where are you from? because I live here (in Cd.Guzman) And every day I woke up and want to get the hell out of here.
I guess everybody is got it’s own preferences when it comes to places to live.

Wade K.
on
January 19, 2013

Hi, Ran across a mention of Ciudad Guzman in Lonely Planet’s Mexico Guide. Got curious and found your blog. I too am looking for an affordable retirement spot and weather, scenery and friendliness with enough going on is important. Thanks for putting this on the ‘net, sounds very close to what I want.

I am Canadian,my husband was born in Ciudad Guzman. we now live in Zihuatanejo..it is too hot here year round. Am thinking of moving to C.Guzman. would anyone know more or less how much it is to rent a nice house with a garden for 2 dogs? thanks so much.

Ivette Dominguez
on
February 19, 2013

I was born there!!!! My grandparents raised me r.i.p abuelita Maria de la luz Gonzalez
On mier y teran street y David Gonzalez
I am now 25. And I live in California
I go back and forth from time to time
I miss the food and my family quite often
Add my Facebook ivettesinahidominguez@yahoo.com
If your also from guzman thank!!!!!

Jose Duenas Barragan
on
March 10, 2013

Wow cool. Yeah since a kid I have
Took the bus from guadalajara . I have
Some how managed go find my grandparents house by foot from there.
(Central) And some how ppl remember
You . My grandpa bought his house for
500 pesos. Im barrragan.

Nadia G.
on
March 12, 2013

It warms my heart reading all the beautiful comments about Guzman. I miss it so much. I was talking about tostadas de lomo and tortas ahogadas today. Yum! I’m looking forward to going back, hopefully in October for the fiestas. The majority of my Mom’s family lives in Guzman off of Moctezuma and Quintana Roo.

Jose
on
May 15, 2013

Hey Paul great article well I recently arrived here in Mexico after being in the states for the last 15 years of my life I live in a small town about a 45 min out from ciudad Guzman called “Copala” as a 22 year old male I love visiting the city as much as I can for what you described as the young energetic atmosphere. Great blog

[…] in my previous blog on the theme of living and working in Mexico, I wrote a blog based on listing “Seven Reasons to Live in Ciudad Guzman” . This turned out to be my most popular blog post, both in terms of number of readers and added […]

Oscar
on
July 2, 2013

As i live an breath I was born technically in Cd. Guzman most of my family being from and living there now. Its a beautiful city and I crave the need to return every chance I get, I have been in the US most of my life but Guzman is my home and will always have a place in my heart. The tranquility is amazing and relaxing, the festivals are amazing. It is a deeply Catholic conservative city but everyone respects everyone is always very friendly. My Uncle Pablo V.goes to Dona Chuy every morning to have a “Levanta Muertos” and he is very healthy 70 years young man.

The coolest blog i have ever read about cd guzman!! 100% so accurate, so crazy coming from an english guy.
I now live in Los angeles but i lived in guzman for almost 8 years during 1984-92, went to primaria and secundaria there, colegio mexico alumni.
my memories are so vivid, every time i smelled vapor tacos de cabeza takes me right back to el centro and they way it used to smell.i miss them churros with hot chocolate syrup in the middle or plain with cinnamon, also the fresh orange juices with carot. one thing i miss the most are the “tostadas de lomo” de don luis. i hear he still around!. i miss those tostada’s so much that i’m planning on opening my own mobile lunch truck style tostadas de lomo here where i live in Huntington park,California. my family are originally from tamazula.which make & have a similar recipe for hot and sweet tomate sauce with garlic and oregano and chile de arbol.

CosmicDrBii
on
July 4, 2013

Thanks Abel for your comment. Glad to know that you felt I did Ciudad Guzman justice. I live in Peru now but travel to Mexico frequently and always love to go back to Guzmán.

I almost cried reading your column. Ciudad Guzman is also my hometown and I miss it so much. I miss the Ponche de granada and tostadas de chile de uña, and most of all I miss the Fiesta de Octubre with it’s Sonajeros and carros alegoricos..I miss San Jose.
Thank you so much for sharing this, I’m sure lots of us who live so far away from our beloved Zapotlan enjoyed reading it and reminisced about or days walking around the Jardin and eating tostadas de chile de uña en el portal.

I am planning to come live in Mexico. I had forgotten that a dear friend of mine told me about Guzman. I remembered just now and found your blog. I believe I have now chosen my destination. Thank you for reminding me of all the good things he had to say about the city.

ben
on
June 23, 2014

I lived in ciudad guzman for 3 years and found it a very peaceful and friendly place to live, full of traditions and special festivities. I particularly liked the shoe cleaners in the centre who tend to do a great job, and I can vouch for the quality of the aforementioned tostadas!

A hundred times nicer than any border town, it’s a bit sad that walmart wants to go and ruin it all for them.

Isamar
on
July 2, 2014

Hello I was reading through your blog, I love the way you describe Cuidad Guzman. I lived there for about 5 years and I loved it and I can wait to go back, Every time I have a chance that is the placed that come to mind. I love to visit and can’t wait to move back. Very true the City is very peaceful, has great food and fun places to go. It very sad to know that Walmart and Sams Club wants to go built stores there. But who ever has a chance to go and visit please do so you will fall in love, and even better if you go in October or December.

Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I
in finding It truly useful & it helped me out much. I am hoping to present one thing again and help others like you aided me.

kimberly carrillo
on
October 3, 2014

kimberly carrillo vista ca
My husband is from Ciudad Guzman, I’m from San Diego, we go every year in October for 3 weeks. I love it there. The plaza de toros, las Iglesias, y lo mejor todo la familia de mi esposo

Thank you for sharing this, I was born and rise in Ciudad Guzman but now I had to move to mexico city for college but every time I see those volcanoes… I can’t help it but I really want to cry, it is indeed a wonderful city